Posted by Finding the right strength coach
Now you have found that tomorrows take on a life of their own with a long history of tomorrows and nothing to show for the time spent. You need an expert to get you on the path of better fitness.
Finding a strength coach that fits your needs as a participating athlete in the strength sports involves more than simply signing your name to a gym membership. A good coach is a valuable asset when it comes to getting strong. Every good coach will have many if not all of the following characteristics.
Personality
Does their personality complement yours with the development of a positive working relationship during the strength training sessions? Do they do this by presenting you with constructive comments about technique, the program schedule, and the mental attitude necessary to reach your desired goals? On the other hand, do they grate on your nerves with annoying mannerisms, sayings, constant chatter unrelated to the training, or (you fill in the blank(s) here)
They must be respectful of the coach/trainee relationship while at the same time adjusting to your needs in the gym, under the bar. Do not tolerate harsh, unwarranted criticism. Examples abound in some gyms of the coaches yelling at their trainees for no apparent purpose other than out of shear frustration for their, the coaches, inability to get a point across to the trainee or to be able to properly teach them correct technique.
Is the atmosphere your coach creates one that makes you want to do your best the majority of the time when around them? If not, what needs to change? Don’t just stick around thinking things will get better. If it hasn’t in quite some time, what makes you think it will soon change?
Look at the coaches qualifications. Not just their certifications but also their history of involvement in the strength sports. What kind of experience have they had? Are they up to day with the latest scientific aspects of becoming stronger or are they stuck in an earlier time? Are they current in their AED, CPR, and first aid certificates? Ask to see their NSCA or ACSM certification. Is it up to date?
Keep in mind you can buy a certification off the internet for as low as $99.00. You get what you pay for and that is not much with these types of organizations.
When they demonstrate an exercise, does it appear they know how to do it, or are they winging it for your benefit? Look at how other coaches in the gym are conducting their sessions; do any of them stand out as a better fit than the one in front of you making their spiel?
Is the gym too loud, not only with weights clanging but with the vocal noise levels. Are people shouting to hear their workout partner or to talk to them? How about the music or in most cases the lack there of, of anything closely resembling music. There are some who believe the louder the better, but your ears can only tolerate so much before they are damaged. It is nice to be able to lift heavy weights but it is also nice to be able to hear after you leave the gym too.
Pay attention to what you are getting yourself into by making a good decision on your coach. When it comes to your health and strength training aspirations, every detail counts.
Explosivelyfit Strength Training, LLC 